“We’ll bring the Judaism to them,” declares visiting Rabbi Chaim Zaklos as he talks about his organisation’s mandate in reaching out to communities worldwide that have small Jewish populations.

Rabbi Zaklos along with Rabbi Mendel Kalmenson are in Bermuda until July 29 on a mission to support and embrace the rather diminutive Jewish community on the Island.

They’re currently studying rabbinical studies at New York’s Chabad-Lueaditch, a leading Jewish university, under the leadership of Rabbi M.M. Schneersohn, who is world Jewish leader for the global organisation.

Mr. Zaklos explained: “We’re students in Rabbinical college in New York and during the summer months we’re sent out in groups throughout out the Caribbean, South America and Europe to name a few. “About 170 groups have been sent to countries around the world.

The point is to go to the smaller Jewish communities that don’t have Rabbis year-round and bring them warm regards from the larger Jewish communities. “And, to see how we can enhance their Jewish life here, their physical and material well-being — we’re somewhat like a mobile Judaic centre — we have lots of Jewish literature and books.

“In general, our message is to show that we care about Jews wherever they might be and if it’s hard for them to come to Judaism, we’ll bring the Judaism to them to the best of our ability.”

About 100 Jewish people are estimated to be living in Bermuda but most do are not practising in the religious sense, only through tradition stemming from routes and family. Mr. Kalmenson explained: “Sometimes because you live in Bermuda, it’s actually hard to have the type of Jewish life you may have back in the bigger cities.

“It’s a lot more remote but our message to the Jews down here is that regardless of observance, background and upbringing, we want to let people know that we are here to help, educate and share and bring some sort of Jewish awareness to those that have not had that.”

One of the highlights of the pair’s visit will be a dinner this Friday night held for Bermuda Jews on their Sabbath, known as the Shabbat, which starts from sundown until Saturday night and saw 30 Jews attend when the pair where in Bermuda last year.

“We’re meeting Jews at work, in their homes, with children or wherever they’re ready to meet and perhaps answer any questions they may have about Judaism or anyway they can advance in it,” added Rabbi Zaklos.

Mr. Zaklos spoke about the perpetual state of deadly violence current seen in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Palestine over land disputes.

“As someone that has been to Israel many times and was actually present during Israel’s war with Hezbollah (a Lebanese Shiite Muslim faction) in 2006, we pray for peace everyday and it hurts us when we see bloodshed on either side — we’re pro life,” he reflected.

“Jewish people are pro life and pro peace, but it’s an everlasting peace, not a peace where the State of Israel has to give away a lot of land and really not getting any peace for it.”

When asked to react to the infamous and widely condemned statement made by the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in which he called for Israel to be “wiped off the map,” Mr. Zaklos continued: “We shun such behaviour and speak and say ‘God forbid’ him and pray for Israel’s well-being every single day.”

Those interested in attending Friday’s special dinner can do so by e-mailing Rabbi Kalmenson at mkalmy@yahoo.com and for information on their worldwide organisation, log ontowww.chabad.org.